Le Labo
I discovered this perfume after I moved to New York and have been hooked ever since. I like its lab like packaging and sex-neutral scent (never was a fan of the too feminine and floral scent) and it has since become my signature scent. I now have a small collection of these perfumes (thanks to QZ who always gets me a bottle on special days). The Noir 29 is my absolute favorite and it's a perfect scent for year round use. My new-in is the Bergamot 22 - can't wait to wear it in the warmer days!
Noguchi Lamp
I just moved in to a new apartment and have been looking for a desk lamp for my night stand. I was reading the book, "The New Garconne", and in one of the interviews, the owner of Le Garconne mentioned her favorite lamp was Noguchi Lamp which I immediately fell in love with. This paper lamp represents the best of Japanese design - elegant, quiet, minimal. I bought two and they compliment our bedroom so nicely.
Chanel Card Case
This was a purchase from my trip to Paris earlier in the year. I've been using it every single day since. Switching to a small card case was a direct result of downsizing and trying to live a minimalist life as much as I can. The case holds all the cards I need. it's super compact and allows me to finally use a tiny purse - an added benefit. Did I mention how much joy it brings me every time I see the little double C?
Soma Water Filter
This water filter was also a direct result of my zero waste effort. I'd been looking for a glass water filter for the longest time and found this San Francisco based brand. Not only does it look beautiful and sleek, it also reminds me of my favorite coffee maker, Chemex. It's made of RPA free glass and even the filter is made of coconut material and it's fully compostable. Now I have something that rests on my counter as a piece of art while providing clean and pure water for us to stay hydrated.
Mason Jars
Oh where should I start? Earlier in the year I was introduced to the zero waste lifestyle. After reading the book "Zero Waste Home" by Bea Johnson, I was determined to upgrade all my pantry containers and Tupperware to glass wares, as a first step to zero waste. The glass mason jars not only are more visually appealing, but also more hygiene friendly and toxic free. i typically rotate between the Weck mason jars from Germany and Le Parfait from France. Both have the orange rubber band to seal and they make my pantry and fridge look uniformed and chic!
Aesop Products
This Australian brand as continued to be my trusted go-to when it comes to daily hygiene and skin/body care. I use hand gel, hand cream, body wash, body scrub, face mask, mouth wash, deodorant, and so many more on a daily basis. Every time i pick up a brown bottle / tube with the lab-like packaging, it just makes my daily routine a little bit easier and more enjoyable.
Smythson Diary
I've been using the Smythson diary for years. This year I upgraded from my usual Panama to the Soho diary which is A5 size and has a weekly planner on one side and a full-page for to-dos on the other. The reason I opted for the Soho was because I started having more and more to-dos in my personal life (totally adulting now) and I feel like I needed more room to better track and organize them (think about the bullet journal). I picked the Mara leather in maroon color for 2018 and I LOVE it! I find myself reaching for it everyday and it certainly helps organize my life more easily and with great style.
Buly Body Oil
During our Paris trip in May, i went to the Buly 1803 store and picked up a few things. In addition to the famous hand cream, I've been thoroughly enjoying their body oil. It's great for hydration and massage. I opted for the lichen scent which was more of a grassy and less sweet scent. I would definitely try the signature rose scent next time. Being a sucker for packaging, I easily fell in love with Buly's medieval packaging that perfectly represents this century old brand. Not to mention that it is also an eye candy and compliments my home decor perfectly.
Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription
Being the coffee snobs that we are, I can't believe how long it took us to finally get a coffee subscription from Blue Bottle. In QZ's words, good coffee makes you want to have a second cup. :) Blue Bottle does just that. The subscription service lets you decide your coffee type and mailing frequency. Our favorite is the single origin. It makes me look forward to the weekend morning ritual of making hand drip coffee so much more.
Our New Apartment
My (our) biggest purchase in 2017 was undoubtedly this beautiful apartment. We spent a good amount of the year and so much effort renovating and decorating it to be a home that we love to spend our everyday life in. We couldn't e happier how it turned out - it's clean and simple, minimalistic and modern, and still looks homey and cozy. I'm so looking forward to spending a lot of time around the kitchen and lounging around the living area. And we love how all the new and old furniture fit in together. Here's a toast - to the start of a new chapter and a marvelous new year in 2018!